Javelin Joint Venture Significantly Boosts Anti-Tank Missile Production and Delivers Advanced Lightweight Launcher to U.S. Army
The Javelin Joint Venture, a collaboration between Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, has announced a near doubling of its annual All-Up-Round (AUR) production capacity for the Javelin anti-tank guided missile system over the past two years. This significant ramp-up in manufacturing coincides with the delivery of the first unit of a new, lightweight launcher to the United States Army, marking a dual advancement in the capabilities and availability of a critical defense system.
Lockheed Martin, one of the two primary partners in the venture, is spearheading efforts to increase output by optimizing its existing manufacturing lines and engaging deeply with its extensive network of supply chain partners. A key focus of this expansion strategy involves substantial investment in accelerating the procurement and production of “long-lead” parts and specialized equipment. These components, often complex and requiring extended manufacturing times, are essential for sustaining and further increasing the elevated production rates now required.
Rich Liccion, vice president of the Javelin Joint Venture and program director for Javelin at Lockheed Martin, underscored the importance of these initiatives. “By scaling our Javelin production line to meet increasing global demand, we’re extending Javelin’s legacy of performance excellence for years to come,” Liccion stated. He emphasized that “Our increased output ensures that warfighters worldwide continue to rely on an anti-tank missile system that has delivered unmatched precision for over 30 years.” This statement highlights the joint venture’s commitment to both current operational needs and the system’s long-term strategic relevance.
The drive for increased production is underpinned by recent contractual agreements. In May 2025, the joint venture secured its largest single-year Javelin production contract to date. This award serves as a follow-on under an existing indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) production contract, which was initially awarded in May 2023. An IDIQ contract provides the government with flexibility to order specific quantities of products or services over a defined period, without committing to a fixed amount upfront, making it an ideal mechanism for responding to evolving defense needs.
To support the accelerated production ramp, critical test stations are being built, with all new facilities expected to be operational by the end of the current year. These test stations are vital for verifying that each missile and its numerous subcomponents adhere to stringent environmental, performance, and functional requirements, ensuring the system’s reliability and effectiveness in diverse operational conditions. Additionally, sixteen existing test stations, which duplicate essential capabilities, are slated for comprehensive upgrades. This modernization effort will not only enhance the capabilities of legacy equipment but also ensure the long-term sustainability of the high-volume production capability.
Alongside missile production, the joint venture has delivered the Lightweight Command Launch Unit (LWCLU), the next-generation launcher for the Javelin system. This advanced unit is engineered for backward and forward compatibility, meaning it can interface seamlessly with all current, past, and future variants of the Javelin missile. Raytheon, the other key partner in the joint venture, has made a significant investment of $22 million in modernizing its factory in Tucson, Arizona, where the LWCLU is manufactured. This investment aims to increase production speed and expand overall capacity, with annual production rates being scaled up in close coordination with the U.S. Army.
Jenna Hunt Frazier, president of the Javelin Joint Venture and Javelin program director at Raytheon, highlighted the strategic importance of the LWCLU delivery. “Delivering the LWCLU into soldiers’ hands underscores our commitment to accelerating meaningful capability upgrades,” Frazier remarked. She further added, “Our investment in modernization and production capacity ensures the Army can field this advanced launcher more quickly, giving soldiers better awareness and greater lethality on today’s battlefield.”
The new LWCLU represents a significant technological leap. It offers double the target detection and recognition range compared to the launcher it replaces, substantially enhancing situational awareness for warfighters. Concurrently, the unit achieves a 30 percent reduction in size and a 25 percent reduction in weight, alleviating the burden on soldiers in the field. These improvements are coupled with advanced optics and an integrated day and night surveillance capability, providing enhanced operational flexibility in all lighting conditions and environments.
The Javelin system, a “fire-and-forget” man-portable anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) known for its top-attack capability, is a flagship product of the joint venture between Raytheon, based in Tucson, Arizona, and Lockheed Martin, with operations in Orlando, Florida. To date, this collaborative effort has successfully produced more than 55,000 Javelin missiles and over 12,000 reusable Command Launch Units, cementing its role as a cornerstone of modern anti-armor capabilities for the U.S. and its allies.
Why This Matters
The announcements from the Javelin Joint Venture are significant on multiple fronts, reflecting ongoing global defense priorities and technological advancements in military hardware.
Global Security and Military Readiness:The near doubling of Javelin missile production capacity directly addresses the heightened global demand for anti-tank weapon systems, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions. For the United States and its allies, this increased output is crucial for maintaining strategic stockpiles, providing critical aid to partners, and ensuring forces are adequately equipped to face potential armored threats. It signals a robust response from the defense industrial base to evolving security landscapes.
Enhanced Soldier Capabilities and Lethality:The delivery of the Lightweight Command Launch Unit (LWCLU) represents a substantial upgrade for soldiers on the ground. Its improved target detection range, reduced size and weight, and advanced day/night optics directly translate into enhanced situational awareness, faster target acquisition, and increased survivability. By making the system lighter and more capable, the LWCLU lessens the physical burden on troops while significantly boosting their effectiveness against armored vehicles, making them more agile and lethal in combat scenarios.
Technological Innovation and Defense Modernization:The LWCLU’s introduction underscores a continuous push for innovation within the defense sector. Integrating advanced optics and surveillance capabilities into a lighter, more compact package demonstrates a commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to give warfighters a decisive edge. This modernization effort ensures that the Javelin system remains relevant and effective against future threats, extending its operational lifespan and utility.
Defense Industrial Base Resilience:The investments by both Lockheed Martin and Raytheon in manufacturing lines, supply chain optimization, and factory modernization highlight the adaptability and resilience of the defense industrial base. Accelerating production of long-lead parts and upgrading test stations are complex undertakings that demonstrate a strategic commitment to meeting surging demands and sustaining high-quality output over the long term. This sustained investment creates jobs, strengthens critical manufacturing capabilities, and ensures a robust supply chain for essential defense assets.
Economic Impact and Collaboration:The continued success and expansion of the Javelin Joint Venture illustrate the effectiveness of strategic partnerships between major defense contractors. Such collaborations pool expertise, resources, and manufacturing capabilities, leading to more efficient development and production of complex systems. Furthermore, the significant contracts and investments create substantial economic activity, supporting thousands of jobs across the United States in manufacturing, engineering, and related sectors.